More than 900 volunteers in District 8 have received their new structural firefighting helmets this week as part of a state-wide rollout to members with Breathing Apparatus and Search and Rescue qualifications.
Volunteers in Edithvale with their new helmets. Photo by Jackson Bull, firefighter, Edithvale
The new helmets replace the CFA's existing structural firefighting helmets and feature an improved design and fit to benefit members.
More than 5,000 CFA volunteers will receive the helmets by mid-2020, with over 1,000 distributed since December in districts 4, 5, and 8. District 27 members will receive their new helmets this weekend.
CFA unveiled the new helmet in August 2019, with the Pacific F15 Premium jet-style structural helmet selected after an open-market, competitive tender process.
Supplied by Pac Fire Australia, the helmet includes a one-touch visor, a full-coverage internal face shield, integrated helmet torch, comfort harness and liner, and flame-resistant multi-layer neck flaps.
Trying them on for size. Photo by Photo by Jackson Bull, firefighter, Edithvale
It also has a reinforced composite shell and an advanced polymer chassis.
The new structural firefighting helmets were funded as part of the State Government's $60 million Fire Services Statement.
While the roll-out is underway all existing helmets used by CFA volunteers remain fit for purpose and compliant with relevant Australian Standards.
The Structural Helmet Project team is working with districts to schedule delivery of the helmets to members.
Volunteers will be notified by their OM or CM as to when the helmets will be rolled out in their area.
